Round 1 Preview | Thunderbirds vs Vixens

THE MATCH
Adelaide Thunderbirds vs Melbourne Vixens
Saturday 5 April, 5pm AEDT
Adelaide Entertainment Centre | Kaurna Land

THE TEAM
Kiera Austin (VC)
Maggie Caris
Kate Eddy
Rudi Ellis
Sophie Garbin
Lily Graham
Kate Moloney (C)
Hannah Mundy
Zara Walters
Jo Weston

HOW TO WATCH
Can’t make it to the game? Tune in live or on demand on Kayo Sports, Foxtel or BINGE (Australia), or via Netball Pass (international).

LAST TIME THEY MET
Grand Final, 2024
Thunderbirds (59) defeated Vixens (57) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

WHAT TO EXPECT
After falling heartbreakingly short in last year’s final, the Vixens will be eager to turn the tables and begin their 2025 campaign with a win over the reigning champions.

As the Thunderbirds’ defensive lineup works to disrupt the visitors’ attacking rhythm, expect Diamonds shooting pair Kiera Austin and Sophie Garbin to lean on their solid connection and work through the pressure with their feeders to hit circle edge.

With another full pre-season under their belts, fresh talent in Zara Walters and Lily Graham are ready to gain court time through the midcourt and in the circle respectively, each offering options across multiple positions.

ONE TO WATCH
Kate Eddy’s versatility across wing defence and goal defence could prove crucial to the Vixens’ hopes this season. The 182cm defender boasts an impressive vertical leap, and with her reach and agility can match up well on a tall or moving attacking circle. She could face equally versatile Thunderbird Georgie Horjus in either position.

In fine form throughout pre-season, Eddy picked up the second most intercepts (8) and third most gains (10) across all teams at the recent Team Girls Cup tournament.

THE NUMBER
#66 – Should temporary replacement player Maggie Caris take the court, she’ll etch her name in club history books as Vixen #66. Standing at 190cm and with the versatility to play across both circle defensive positions, the Victorian pathway product will be ready to take her opportunity should she be called on in Adelaide.

THE COACH SAYS
“We did play some really good netball in that final and we took a lot from it. It’s not just the pain of losing that drives you for the next season, it’s that belief as well,” said head coach Simone McKinnis.

ALL IN. ALL VIXEN.
Book your tickets for Vixens home games via Ticketek
View the Vixens’ 2025 fixture
Shop Vixens merch at the online store
Support the team with a 2025 Vixens membership